He has awareness, Kylo built and chose to use it. There is a guy who swung a sword with crossguards and it never touched his body. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLzvznM2dDo

Also under the video on his youtube account he commented:

... My theory due to the fact Jet Cooper the cross-guard lightsaber designer on behalf of J.J Abrams and team as well sent me an email thanking me for making this video and a conversion I will not disclose, is it is an artifact from the ancient history of the Sith and Jedi when they wore armour it would have a ancient style not used anymore associated with it much like the regular Lightsaber styles are based on the Japanese Katana it would be based on European Longsword or bastard swords.